New York City, N.Y., Oct 15, 2013 / 12:04 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A convent and chapel in New York City were the site this weekend of a suspicious fire, in which two nuns and four firefighters were injured. Sister M. William McGovern, provincial superior of the Daughters of Divine Charity community on Staten Island, explained in an Oct. 12 press release that the fires were “a true tragedy.” “The historic portion of our home – with … [Read more...]

London, England, Oct 13, 2013 / 04:05 pm (CNA).- The new film “Faith of Our Fathers” examines the Catholic martyrs of the English Reformation, whose fortitude is a reminder that persecution strengthens the Church, a presenter of the film has noted. “I think perhaps the heroism and strength of Catholicism through that period, when we were given so many saints, martyrs and heroes, wouldn't have happened without the persecution,” said Fr. Marcus Holden, a priest of … [Read more...]

Washington D.C., Oct 11, 2013 / 05:14 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The owner of a U.S. manufacturing business is filing an appeal to the Supreme Court over the HHS mandate, both because it violates his religious beliefs and because it interferes with his ability to treat his workers justly.“I've never checked my faith at the door when I walked into the for-profit business arena” John Kennedy, owner of Autocam, told CNA Oct. 8, explaining that the company's generous health care … [Read more...]

St. Paul, Minn., Oct 11, 2013 / 01:31 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis today appointed Fr. Andrew Cozzens, a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, to be an auxiliary bishop for the same archdiocese. “I am honored by our Holy Father’s appointment and look forward to serving this local Church as auxiliary bishop,” Fr. Cozzens said Oct. 11. “We are blessed with many active, faithful and vibrant parishes, Catholic schools and ministry organizations … [Read more...]

Los Angeles, Calif., Oct 11, 2013 / 04:26 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez encouraged a gathering of thousands of teens to deepen their respect for all human life and to show society how to reach out in love and compassion to all those in need.“Our job as Christians is to show our society a new way. A way of love. A way of welcoming and hospitality,” he said Oct. 9.He stressed the need to defend “the sanctity and the dignity of all human … [Read more...]

Washington D.C., Oct 11, 2013 / 02:01 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A bill newly introduced in the House of Representatives would enable individuals to determine if they are paying a surcharge for abortion under the health care exchanges available under the Affordable Care Act.The Affordable Care Act “requires premium payers to be assessed an abortion surcharge every month to pay for abortions,” Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) said at an Oct. 9 press conference.“But many pro-life … [Read more...]

Washington D.C., Oct 10, 2013 / 05:17 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- As the U.S. government shutdown continues, nonprofit aid groups such as Catholic Charities are feeling an added strain on their work at the national and local levels.“While some may wonder what effect political disagreements in Washington, D.C., could have on people in need across our country,” explained Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, “the truth of the matter is that uncertainty, furloughs, … [Read more...]